Magnetic tape-data link processor providing automatic data transfer

ABSTRACT

A peripheral-controller (designated as a data-link-processor) manages data transfers between a main host computer and a magnetic tape peripheral unit. The peripheral-controller uses a common front end providing an instruction sequencing unit and a buffer memory to store data-in-transit in six blocks of 256 words each. A peripheral-dependent circuit unit of the peripheral-controller can provide automatic read or automatic write data transfers between the buffer memory and the magnetic tape peripheral unit without further attention from said instruction sequencing unit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related to systems where data transfers are effectuated between magnetic tape peripheral terminal units and a main host computer wherein an intermediate I/O subsystem involving a peripheral-controller is used to perform the housekeeping duties of the data transfer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A continuing area of developing technology involves the transfer of data between a main host computer system and one or more peripheral terminal units. To this end, there has been developed I/O subsystems which are used to relieve the monitoring and housekeeping problems of the main host computer and to assume the burden of controlling a peripheral terminal unit and to monitor control of data transfer operations which occur between the peripheral terminal unit and the main host computer system.

A particular embodiment of such an I/O subsystem has been developed which uses peripheral controllers known as "data link processors" whereby initiating commands from the main host computer are forwarded to a peripheral-controller which manages the data transfer operations with one or more peripheral units. In these systems the main host computer also provides a "data link word" which identifies each task that has been initiated for the peripheral-controller. After the completion of a task, the peripheral-controller will notify the main host system with a result/descriptor word as to the completion, incompletion or problem involved in the particular task.

These types of peripheral-controllers have been described in a number of patents issued to the assignee of the present disclosure and these patents are included herein by reference as follows:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,092 issued Aug. 8, 1978, entitled "Interface System Providing Interfaces to Central Processing Unit and Modular Processor-Controllers for an Input-Output Subsystem", inventor D. A. Millers, II.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,074,352 issued Feb. 14, 1978, entitled "Modular Block Unit for Input-Output Subsystem", inventors D. J. Cook and D. A. Millers, II.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,162,520 issued July 24, 1979, entitled "Intelligent Input-Output Interface Control Unit for Input-Output Subsystem", inventors D. J. Cook and D. A. Millers, II.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,769 issued Feb. 19, 1980, entitled "Input-Output Subsystem for Digital Data Processing System", inventors D. J. Cook and D. A. Millers, II.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,280,193 issued July 21, 1981, entitled "Data Link Processor for Magnetic Tape Data Transfer System", inventors K. W. Baun and J. G. Saunders.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,162 issued Jan. 26, 1982, entitled "I/O Subsystem Using Data Link Processors", inventors K. W. Baun and D. A. Millers, II.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,792 issued Mar. 30, 1982, entitled "Common Front-End Control for a Peripheral Controller Connected to a Computer", inventor K. W. Baun.

The above patents, which are included herein by reference, provide a background understanding of the use of the type of peripheral-controllers known as "data link processors", DLP, used in a data transfer network between a main host computer and peripheral terminal unit.

In the above mentioned Baun patent, there was described a peripheral-controller which was built of modular components consisting of a common front end control circuit which was of a universal nature for all types of peripheral controllers and which was connected with a peripheral dependent board circuit. The peripheral dependent circuit was particularized to handle the idiosyncrasies of specific peripheral terminal units.

The present disclosure likewise uses a peripheral-controller (data link processor) which follows the general pattern of the above described system, in that the peripheral-controller uses a common control circuit or common front end which works in coordination with a peripheral dependent circuit which is particularly suited to handle a specific type of peripheral terminal unit, such as a Tape Control Unit (TCU) which connects to one or more magnetic tape peripheral units.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED INVENTIONS

This disclosure relates to the following patent applications:

"Block Counter System to Monitor Data Transfers", inventor J. V. Sheth, filed Nov. 16, 1982 as U.S. Ser. No. 442,159, now abandoned.

"System for Regulating Data Transfer Operations", inventors G. Hotchkin, J. V. Sheth and D. J. Mortensen, filed Dec. 7, 1982 as U.S. Ser. No. 447,389, now abandoned.

"Burst Mode Data Block Transfer System", inventors J. V. Sheth and D. J. Mortensen, filed Jan. 11, 1983 as U.S. Ser. No. 457,178, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,457.

"Automatic Read System for Peripheral-Controller", inventor J. V. Sheth, filed Mar. 30, 1983, as U.S. Ser. No. 480,517.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention involves a data transfer network wherein a peripheral-controller known as a data link processor is used to manage and control data transfer operations between a peripheral such as a magnetic tape unit (or a tape control unit) and the main host computer system, whereby data is transferred rapidly in large blocks, such as a block of 256 words.

The data link processor provides a RAM buffer memory means for temporary storage of data being transferred between peripheral and host system. In this case, the RAM buffer is capable of holding at least six blocks or units of data, each of which consists of 256 words, each word being of 16 bits.

In order to facilitate and control those activities in which (a) data is sometimes being "shifted into" the RAM buffer memory means from either the peripheral unit or from the main host computer and (b) the data in the RAM buffer memory is being "shifted out" either to the magnetic tape unit peripherals, for example, or to the main host computer, it is necessary that the peripheral-controller and the system have data which informs it of the condition of the RAM buffer memory means with regard to the amount of data residing therein at any given period of time.

Thus, there is disclosed a system for regulating data transfer operations between host and peripheral whereby a peripheral-controller senses blocks of data stored in its RAM buffer in order to choose routines for data transfer appropriate to the data condition of the RAM buffer. The peripheral-controller makes use of a block counter monitoring system which will inform the peripheral-controller and the main host system of the "numerical block status" of data in the RAM buffer memory means.

In particular, the present invention discloses a system whereby the common front end (common control) circuit uses routines providing microcode instructions to address registers (in a peripheral dependent circuit) which access locations in the RAM buffer memory for the insertion of data or the withdrawal of data. There are two address registers, one for addresses of data taken from/to the peripheral unit and one for addresses of data which are to be taken from/to the main host computer.

Further, Automatic Read and Write control circuitry in the peripheral-controller permits rapid and automatic data transfer operations for blocks of data whereby data may be "read from" or "written into" a magnetic tape peripheral and the RAM buffer memory can simultaneously receive data for temporary storage and also output data for transfer to the host system or to a peripheral unit.

The word "simultaneously" is here to be interpreted to mean that during any given operational mode, such as the "automatic read" cycle, data may be transferred in blocks of 256 words from the host system to the buffer memory and during that same period of time (called the "automatic read operation"), data may also be transferred from the buffer memory means to the tape peripheral unit without need for any further instructions from the common front end circuit, but completely under control of the automatic read/write control circuitry. Similarly, for the "automatic write" cycle of operation, data may be transferred from the host computer to the buffer memory to load the buffer memory means to a certain point, after which the buffer memory means may be unloaded by data transfer to the tape peripheral unit during the same "automatic write" cycle, whereby no further instructions were required from the common front end, but wherein present control is being handled by the automatic read/write control circuitry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an overall system drawing of the elements involved in data transfer operations between host computer and magnetic tape peripheral terminals.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the common control circuit of the peripheral-controller, also called the common front end.

FIGS. 3A and 3B together is a block diagram of the first circuit card of the peripheral dependent circuit of the peripheral-controller.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the second circuit card of the peripheral dependent circuit of the peripheral-controller.

FIG. 5A is a circuit drawing of the circuit for synchronizing data transfer from the tape control unit to the peripheral-controller.

FIG. 5B is a logic circuit used for control of automatic Read operations for transferring data from magnetic tape units to the peripheral-controller.

FIG. 5C is a chart illustrating operation of the automatic Read logic circuit.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the latching logic for the automatic Read circuit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating operation of the latch enable function of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 8 is a timing diagram showing use of the automatic Read and latching circuitry.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the automatic Write logic for transferring data from the peripheral-controller's buffer memory to the magnetic tape peripheral units.

GENERAL SYSTEM OPERATION

To initiate an operation, the host system 10, FIG. 1, sends the peripheral-controller (data link processor 20_(t)) an I/O descriptor and also descriptor link words. The term "DLP" will be used to represent the Data Link Processor (peripheral-controller 20_(t)). The I/O descriptor specifies the operation to be performed. The descriptor link contains path selection information and identifies the task to be performed, so that when a report is later sent back to the main host system 10, the main host system will be able to recognize what task was involved. After receipt of the I/O descriptor link, the data link processor (DLP) makes a transition to one of the following message level interface states.

(a) Result Descriptor: This state transition indicates that the data link processor 20_(t) is returning a result descriptor immediately without disconnection from the host computer 10. For example, this transition is used when the DLP detects an error in the I/O descriptor.

(b) DISCONNECT: This state transition indicates that the peripheral-controller 20_(t) which is designated as the Magnetic Tape-Data Link Processor (MT-DLP) cannot accept any more operations at this time and that the I/O descriptor and the descriptor link were received without errors. This state also indicates that data transfers or result descriptor transfers can occur.

(c) IDLE: This state transition indicates that the DLP 20_(t) can accept another legal I/O operation immediately and that the I/O descriptor and the descriptor link were received without errors.

When the operation is completed, the DLP 20_(t) returns a result descriptor indicating the status of the operation to the main host system. If the DLP detects a parity error on the I/O descriptor or the descriptor link, or if the DLP cannot recognize the I/O descriptor it received, then the DLP cannot proceed with execution of the operation. In this case, the DLP returns a one-word result descriptor to the host. In all other cases the DLP returns a two-word result descriptor.

The data link processor 20_(t) is a multiple-descriptor data link processor capable of queuing one I/O descriptor for each magnetic tape unit to which it is connected. There are certain descriptors (Test/Cancel; Test/Discontinue; and Test/ID) which are not queued, but which can be accepted at any time by the DLP. Test/Cancel and Test/Discontinue OPs are issued against a single magnetic tape unit in a queue dedicated to that peripheral unit, and require that an I/O descriptor for that particular magnetic tape unit already be present within the DLP. If an I/O descriptor is received and violates this rule, the DLP immediately returns a result descriptor to the host. This result descriptor indicates "descriptor error" and "incorrect state".

As previously discussed in the referenced patents, the MT-DLP utilizes the following status states (STC) transitions when "disconnected" from the host:

    STC=3 to STC=1                                             IDLE to DISCONNECT

indicates that the DLP is attempting to process a queued OP.

    STC=1 to STC=3                                             DISCONNECT to IDLE

indicates that the DLP is prepared to accept a new I/O descriptor.

    STC=3 to STC=5                                             IDLE to SEND DESCRIPTOR LINK

indicates that the DLP is executing an OP, and that the DLP requires access to the host computer.

    STC=1 to STC=5                                             DISCONNECT to SEND DESCRIPTOR LINK

indicates that the DLP is executing an OP, and that the DLP requires access to the host computer.

The DLP status states can be represented in a shorthand notation such as STC=n.

Upon completion of an I/O operation, the data link processor forms and sends the result descriptor to the host system. This descriptor contains information sent by the tape control unit 50_(tc) to the DLP in the result status word, and also information generated within the DLP. The result descriptor describes the results of the attempt to execute the operation desired.

DESCRIPTOR MANAGEMENT

All communications between the DLP 20_(t) and the host system 10 are controlled by standard DLP status states as described in the previously referenced patents. These status states enable information to be transferred in an orderly manner. When a host computer 10 connects to the DLP 20_(t), the DLP can be in one of two distinct states: (a) ready to receive a new descriptor, or (b) busy.

When in STC=3 (IDLE), the DLP can accept a new I/O descriptor. When in STC=1 (DISCONNECT) or in STC=5 (SEND DESCRIPTOR LINK), then the DLP is busy performing a previously transferred operation.

When the DLP receives an I/O descriptor and descriptor link that does not require immediate attention, the DLP stores the descriptor in its descriptor queue. The DLP is then able to receive another I/O descriptor from the host system.

When the host system 10 "Disconnects" from the DLP 20_(t) after issuing one or more queued I/O descriptors, then the DLP initiates a search of its descriptor queue. This search continues until the DLP finds an I/O descriptor that needs DLP attention, or until the host "reconnects" to send additional I/O descriptors. If the DLP finds an I/O descriptor that requires attention, and if the descriptor specifies neither a Test/Wait for Unit Available OP, nor a Test/Wait for Unit Not Available OP, then the DLP verifies that the host is still "disconnected". If these conditions are met, the DLP goes to STC=1 (DISCONNECT) and initiates execution of the descriptor. Once the DLP goes to STC=1, then no further I/O descriptors are accepted from the host until the initiated operation has been completed and a result descriptor has been returned to the host.

The DLP searches its descriptor queue on a rotational basis. The order for search is not disturbed by the receipt of one or more new I/O descriptors, nor by the execution of operations. This means that all queued entries are taken in turn regardless of DLP activity and all units have equal priority.

When cleared, the DLP halts all operations in progress with the peripherals and invalidates all the queued I/O descriptors, and returns to Status STC=3 (IDLE).

DLP-DATA BUFFERS AND DATA TRANSMISSION

The data buffer 22 (FIG. 1) of the DLP provides storage for six blocks of data which are used in a "cyclic" manner. Each of the six blocks holds a maximum of 512 bytes (256 words) of data. Data is transferred to or transferred from the host system one block at a time, via the buffer 22, followed by a longitudinal parity word (LPW). Data is always transferred in full blocks (512 bytes) except for the final block of data for a particular operation. This last block can be less than the 512 bytes, as may be required by the particular operation.

As seen in FIG. 3, logic circuitry (to be described hereinafter) is used to feed information to a block counter 34_(c) which will register the number of blocks of data residing in buffer 22 at any given moment. When certain conditions occur, such as a full buffer, or empty buffer, or "n" number of blocks, the counter 34_(c) can set to trigger a flip-flop 34_(e) which will signal the common front end control circuit unit 10_(c) (FIG. 2) to start routines necessary to either transfer data to the host 10 (after reconnecting to the host) or to get data from the host 10 to transfer to the buffer 22 (seen in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2); or else the unit 10_(c) can arrange to connect the DLP 20_(t) to the peripheral (as tape control unit 50_(tc)) for receipt of data or for transmission of data.

During a Write operation, the block counter 34_(c) (FIG. 3) counts the number of blocks of data received from the host system 10. The data link processor "disconnects" from the host system once the DLP has received six buffers; or it will disconnect upon receipt of the "Terminate" command from the host system (a Terminate indicates the "end" of the Write data for that entire I/O operation). After disconnecting from the host, the data link processor connects to the peripheral tape control unit (TCU 50_(tc)). Once proper connection is established between the data link processor and the tape subsystem, the data link processor activates logic which allows the tape control unit 50_(tc) a direct access to the DLP RAM buffer 22 for use in data transfers.

After the data link processor 20 has transmitted one block of data to the tape control unit, the data link processor attempts to "reconnect" to the host system by means of a "poll request" (as long as the host 10 has not "terminated" the operation). Once this reconnection is established, the host transfers additional data to the data link processor. This transfer continues until either the six blocks of RAM buffer memory 22 are again full (a buffer which is in the process of being transferred to the tape control unit is considered full during this procedure), or until the host 10 sends a "Terminate" command. Data transfer operations between the data link processor 20_(t) and the tape control unit 50_(tc) continue concurrently with the host data transfers occurring between host 10 and DLP 20_(t) (via the buffer 22).

The word "concurrently" is herein intended to mean that during the "automatic read cycle" or the "automatic write cycle", the data link processor will continue to fill and empty data into and out of the buffer memory means on an automatic basis without any further instructions as long as that particular cycle of "read" or "write" is continued. The priority of use of clock cycles is given to the transfer of words to and from the host, while the transfer of words between the tape control unit and buffer memory 22 is done on a "cycle steal" basis.

On a typical "Read" operation, if the data link processor has not successfully reconnected to the host before the DLP has transmitted, for example, four blocks of data to the tape control unit 50_(tc), the data link processor sets "emergency request" on the data link interface 20_(i), FIG. 1. If the "emergency request" is not successfully serviced before the DLP has only one block of data remaining for transmission to the tape control unit, the data link processor sets a "Block Error" condition by signal from flip-flop 34_(e) to circuit 10_(c). This is reported to the host system as a "host access error" in the result descriptor.

The last block of data for any given I/O operation is transferred to the tape control unit 50_(tc) directly under micro-code control. During a "Read" operation, the data link processor first attempts to connect to the tape control unit 50_(tc). Once a successful connection is accomplished, the data link processor initiates logic to begin accepting data from the tape subsystem. Once the data link processor has received two blocks of data (or once the DLP receives all the data from the operation if the total length is less than two blocks), the data link processor attempts to connect to the host using a "poll request". The data link processor continues to accept tape data while at the same time affecting this host connection.

If the host does not respond to the "poll request" (Read operation) before four blocks of data are present in the DLP RAM buffer 22, the data link processor sets "emergency request" on the data link interface 20_(i). If no connection to the host system is effectuated before all of the six RAM buffers are filled, then the data link processor sets "host access error" in the result descriptor.

Once the host system answers a "poll request", the data link processor 20_(t) starts to send data to the host system 10 (which data came from a peripheral magnetic tape unit) while concurrently continuing to receive data from the tape control unit 50_(tc). After the host 10, FIG. 1, has received one block of data, the data link processor checks whether or not two full blocks of data remain in buffer 22 to be transferred to the host. If this is so, the DLP uses a "break enable". If a "break enable" request is granted, then transmission of the next data buffer to the host continues to occur. If there are less than two full blocks of data in the RAM buffer 22 (or if the "break enable" is refused), the data link processor disconnects from the host and waits for two full blocks of data to be present. If a "break enable" is refused, the data link processor initiates another "poll request" immediately after disconnection.

When the data link processor has completed data transfer, the tape control unit 50_(tc) enters the result phase and sends two words of result status to the data link processor 20_(t). The DLP then incorporates this information, plus any internal result flags, into the result descriptor which the DLP then sends to the host.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, the overall system diagram is shown whereby a host computer 10 is connected through an I/O subsystem to a peripheral unit, here, for illustrative purposes, shown as a tape control unit 50_(tc). This tape control unit (TCU) is used to manage connection to a plurality of Magnetic Tape Unit (MTU) peripherals. As per previous descriptions in the above cited patents which were included by reference, the I/O subsystem may consist of a base module which supports one or more various types of peripheral-controllers, in addition to other connection and distribution circuitry such as the distribution control circuit 20_(od) and the data link interface 20_(i). The peripheral-controller 20_(t) is shown in modular form as being composed of a common front end circuit 10_(c) and a peripheral dependent circuit shown, in this case, as being composed of two peripheral dependent boards designated 80_(p1) and 80_(p2).

In this network situation, it is often desired that data from the main host computer be transferred on to a peripheral unit, such as a magnetic tape unit, for recording on tape. This would be done via a peripheral tape control unit TCU such as 50_(tc). Likewise, at times it is desired that data from the magnetic tape unit be passed through the tape control unit to be read out by the host computer. Thus, data is transferred in a bidirectional sense, that is, in two directions at various times in the activities of the network.

The key monitoring and control unit is the data link processor 20_(t) which when initiated by specific commands of the host computer will arrange for the transfer of the desired data in the desired direction.

The RAM buffer 22 (of FIGS. 1, 2) is used for temporary storage of data being transferred between peripherals and the main host computer. In the preferred embodiment this RAM buffer has the capability of storing at least six "blocks" of data, each block of which consists of 256 words.

The Magnetic Tape Data Link Processor (MT-DLP) consists of three standard 96-chip multi-layered printed circuit cards that plug into adjacent slots in the backplane of the base module (FIG. 1). The base module for this system has been previously described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,792 and the previously referenced patents.

The common front end card 10_(c) (FIGS. 1, 2) contains:

(a) The master control logic;

(b) 1K×17-bit RAM words;

(c) 1K×49-bit microcode PROM words which sequence and control the operation of the DLP;

(d) The interface receivers from the distribution card 20_(od) and from a maintenance card in the base module.

In addition to the common front end card 10_(c) there are two PDBs or peripheral dependent boards. These are designated PDB/1 and PDB/2 and are shown on FIGS. 3 and 4. These PDBs provide control signals and the interface to the magnetic tape subsystem.

The PDB/1 card contains:

(a) The System and Peripheral RAM Address Registers;

(b) The Binary-BCD Address Decode PROMs;

(c) Op Decode PROMs;

(d) N-Way Microcode Branch Logic;

(e) Burst Counter;

(f) Block Counter;

(g) Host Access Error Logic;

(h) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).

The second peripheral dependent board card designated PDB/2 contains the following:

(a) The Auto Read Logic;

(b) Auto-Write Logic;

(c) Input (Read) and Output (Write) Latches;

(d) A 1K×17-bit RAM buffer extension of the Common Front End RAM 22;

(e) Clock Logic for the Tape Control Unit 50_(tc) ;

(f) Interface Logic for the Tape Control Unit 50_(tc).

As discussed in the previously referenced patents, each card in the peripheral-controller (Data Link Processor) has "foreplane" connectors through which frontplane cables can interconnect these cards. The cards are slide-in cards which connect at the backplane connectors into the base module. The top two foreplane connectors of all three cards of the DLP are interconnected by means of three-connector, 50-pin foreplane jumper cables. The common front end is connected to the first board, PDB/1, via connector and cable and the board PDB/1 is connected to the second board, PDB/2, via another connector and cable. This is done by means of two-connector, 50-pin foreplane jumper cables. From the connector on the second board PDB/2, there is a 50-conductor cable which is connected to an interface card which plugs into an interface panel board. Connections to the tape subsystem TCU 50_(tc) is made from this interface panel board.

COMMON FRONT END CARD (CFE 10c)

In FIG. 2 there is seen a basic block diagram of the common front end card which has previously been described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,792 entitled "Common Front Control for a Peripheral Controller Connected to a Computer", inventor Kenneth W. Baun. The most significant item of the common front end card designated as 10_(c) in FIG. 2 is the PROM 13 which is a 1K×52-bit word memory. Only 49 (including odd parity bits) of the 52 bits are used. The last three bits are not used or checked for parity.

PROM 13 consists of 13 PROM chips of 1K×4-bit chips which are connected in parallel to form the 1K×52-bit PROM. The contents of these PROMs 13 are called the microcode which controls all of the DLP functions. The microcode address I5 lines, designated A0-A9, are wired in parallel to all 13 chips. The eight megahertz clock (PROMCLK/) latches the next 52-bit microcode word output from the PROM 13 into the microcode register 14.

The common front end card 10_(c) contains logic which generates the address for the microcode PROMs. Also, certain component terms in this logic are further generated on the peripheral dependent boards. The CFE 10_(c) has a stack register 11 composed of three binary counter chips. This register contains the value of the current PROM address or the subroutine return address for a stacked branch operation.

Seventeen 1K×1-bit RAM chips are connected in parallel to make up the random access buffer memory 22 on the common front end card 10_(c). This RAM 22 is made of 1K×17-bits. The Write Enable, the Chip Select, and the 10 RAM address lines are generated on the first PDB card 80_(p1), FIG. 1, and these address lines are routed in parallel to all of the RAM chips on the CFE 10_(c).

An additional 1K×17-bit RAM buffer memory 22₂ is provided on the PDB/2 card 80_(p2), FIG. 1. Thus, the RAM buffer memory is 2K words deep. The same Write Enable, Chip Select and RAM address lines that feed the RAM 22 also feed the RAM 22₂ on the second board PDB/2. A "low" signal chip select is used to select the RAM 22.

The "high" chip select signal selects the extended buffer RAM 22₂ on PDB/2. All the data inputs and data outputs to the RAM buffer memories are sourced, sunk and controlled by the peripheral dependent boards PDB/1 and PDB/2.

The common front end 10_(c) also contains much of the logic for the hostward DLP interfaces. The "interface" to the distribution card 20_(od) and a path selection module is called the Data Link Interface (DLI) shown as 20_(i) on FIG. 1. The common front end 10_(c) contains the drivers and receivers for the control line on the DLI. The common front end card also contains the receivers for the bi-directional DLI data bus (DATAxx/0). The drivers and the directional controls for this particular bus are located on the first PDB card PDB/1.

The common front end card contains the receivers and control logic which enables connection to a maintenance card in the base module, and which governs test diagnostics for the data link processor. The CFE 10_(c) also contains the receivers for the 17-bit bi-directional data simulation bus (DSIMxx/0). This bus provides both data simulation and microcode PROM address override when used in the "maintenance mode". The drivers for this bus are located on the PDB/1 card. The CFE 10_(c) also contain some of the maintenance display logic used in DLP diagnostic routines.

The maintenance interface line (SWH.1/.0) is used to override the microcode PROM address. When the DLP is connected to the maintenance card, and when this line is "low", the DSIMxx/0 lines provide the microcode addresses. This permits the verification of the contents of the microcode, and also allows special microcode words to be used to govern DLP action during diagnostics.

PERIPHERAL DEPENDENT CIRCUITRY

The primary function of the peripheral dependent boards PDB/1, PDB/2 is to provide the interface to the peripheral tape subsystem which is controlled by tape control unit 50_(tc), FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the first PDB card designated PDB/1. FIG. 3 shows the first PDB card containing addressing lines, data path lines and data path control for the DLP RAM 22 (FIG. 2) and 22₂ (FIG. 4), the arithmetic logic unit 32_(u) (ALU) for the DLP, in addition to longitudinal and vertical parity generation and checking logic, microcode branching and control decode logic, peripheral data block counting and a binary-BCD converter.

Two twelve-bit address registers P_(a) and S_(a) are used to store RAM addresses. The system address register (S_(a)) is used when the MT-DLP is communicating with the host 10, and the peripheral address register (P_(a)) is used when the data link processor is communicating with the tape control unit, TCU 50_(tc). Ten-bits are needed to address the RAM (22 or 22₂). Bit number 9 is the RAM chip select. When this bit is low, the RAM on the common front end card 10_(c) is addressed (RAM 22). When the chip select line is "high", the RAM 22₂ on the second PDB card PDB/2 is addressed. Bit 10 of the address register provides function control. Both of these registers are addressed by the common front end microcode through the constant register designated C-register, 58_(c), FIG. 3.

The arithmetic logic unit 32_(u) (ALU), FIG. 3, is comprised of four 4-bit bi-polar-bit-slice microprocessors cascaded to form one 16-bit processor. The ALU contains sixteen 16-bit internal registers which can be loaded by the CFE microcode (from 10_(c)) for both arithmetic and Boolean operations. Nine bits of microcode are used to control the ALU 32.

The ALU 32 receives input data from a 4×1 multiplexor 32_(x) (MUX). The same multiplexor 32_(x) also forms the data input 52 to the DLP RAM buffer 22 on the line labelled RAM-DATA of FIG. 3.

The data path on the PDB/1 card of FIG. 3 consists of two latches, 33_(a) and 33_(b). The A-latch 33_(a) of FIG. 3 receives the RAM buffer 22 output data. The B-latch 33_(b) receives data from the A-latch, from the common front end DLI receivers or else from the common front end DSIM bus receivers. B-latch receives these inputs on line 38 of FIG. 3. The B-latch outputs are fed to the 4×1 multiplexor 32_(x) and then to the ALU 32_(u) or else to the RAM buffer 22, or to the DLI data bus (DATAxx/0), or to the MI data simulation bus (DSIMxx/0). The drivers for these last two interfaces are located on the first PDB card designated PDB/1.

The block counter 34_(c) of FIG. 3 keeps track of the number of data blocks available for transfer or for acceptance with the host system and with the tape subsystem, 50_(tc).

The block counter logic 33_(c) receives data on the S carry line and on the P carry line which will cause the block counter 34_(c) to be updated to count upward or downward as the case may be.

BURST MODE

The MT-DLP has capabilities of utilizing a burst mode data transfer mode wherein data can be transferred to the host system at the maximum DLI rate of 64 megabits per second (depending upon the speed capability of the host system). When in the burst mode, the 8-bit burst counter 36_(c), FIG. 3, maintains a count of the number of words remaining to be transferred between the host and the data link processor during the burst transfer cycle.

A converter 32_(p), FIG. 3, designated Binary-to-BCD converter which uses binary address decode logic, converts binary data from the host system into binary-coded-decimal (BCD) data for use of the peripheral tape subsystem.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the second peripheral dependent board designated PDB/2. This card contains an extension RAM 22₂ of the RAM memory 22 (which is located on the CFE card 10_(c)). The RAM memory extension on the second PDB card is designated as 22₂ and contains a 1K×17-bit memory area. Particularly significant on the card PDB/2 is the logic designated as the Auto Read Logic 50_(r) and the Auto Write Logic 50_(w). In addition, the second peripheral dependent board card includes input latches 51_(e) and 52_(f) and output latches 51_(c) and 52_(d). A clock-strobe signal (proportional to tape speed) from a peripheral (TCU clock) feeds to a peripheral synchronizing clock circuit 59 for the peripheral subsystem (PRIF) and the interface 54 (driver-receiver) which connects to the tape control unit TCU 50_(tc). This interface 54 contains drivers and receivers for the various control signal lines between the PDB/2 card and the tape control unit 50_(tc).

The extended RAM memory 22₂ on PDB/2 (FIG. 4) is a 1K×17-bit memory which uses the same address lines and the same "write enable" as the common front end RAM buffer memory 22. A "high" chip select signal selects the extended RAM 22₂, as previously discussed.

Unique to the magnetic tape data link processor is the logic known as the auto-write and auto-read logic (50_(w), 50_(r)). After being initialized and enabled, this logic is capable of transferring data between buffer memory 22 and the tape control unit or independently from any further microcode control from the CFE 10_(c). Thus, the MT-Data Link Processor can "concurrently" transfer data on both the Data Link Interface 20_(i) with the host 10 and at the same time, transfer data on the peripheral interface with the tape control unit.

During a "Write" operation, the block counter 34_(c) (FIG. 3) counts the number of blocks of data received from the host system 10. The data link processor disconnects from the host system once the DLP has received six blocks of data words; or upon receipt of the "Terminate" command from the host system (a "terminate" indicates the end of the Write data for that entire I/O operation). After disconnecting from the host, the data link processor 20_(t), FIG. 1, connects to the peripheral tape control unit 50_(tc). Once proper connection is established between the data link processor and the tape subsystem, the data link processor activates the Auto-Write logic. This allows the tape control unit a direct access to the DLP RAM buffer 22 or 22₂ for use in data transfer to 50_(tc).

After the data link processor has transmitted one block (256 words) of data to the tape control unit, the data link processor attempts to "re-connect" to the host system by means of a "poll request". Once this re-connection is established, the host transfers additional data to the buffer 22 of the data link processor. This transfer continues until either the six blocks of RAM buffer memory are again full (a buffer which is in the process of being transferred to the tape control unit is considered full during this procedure), or until the host sends a "terminate" command. Data transfer between the data link processor and the tape control unit 50_(tc) continues concurrently with the host data transfers to buffer 22. Thus, while the DLP 20_(t) is re-establishing the connection with the host system 10, the auto write logic 50_(w) is transferring data from the buffer memory 22 over the tape control unit 50_(tc).

If the MT-data link processor has not successfully reconnected to the host before the DLP has transmitted three blocks of data to the tape control unit, the data link processor sets "emergency request" on the data link interface 20_(i) (DLI). If the "emergency request" is not successfully serviced before the DLP buffer 22 has only one block of data remaining for transmission to the tape control unit, the data link processor sets a "Block Error" condition via 34_(a) of FIG. 3. This is reported to the host system as a "host access error" in the result descriptor.

The last remaining block of data for any given I/O

operation is transferred to the tape control unit 50_(tc) directly under microcode control of the common front end 10_(c). This is called a "demand mode" rather than the previously described "burst mode". Here the Auto-Write logic is not used for transfer of the last data block. During a "Read" operation, the MT-data link processor first attempts to connect to the tape control unit 50_(tc). Once a successful connection is accomplished, the data link processor initiates the "Auto-Read Logic" 50_(r) and begins accepting data from the tape subsystem. Once the data link processor buffer 22 has received two blocks of data (or once the DLP receives all the data from the operation if the total length is less than 2-blocks) the data link processor attempts to connect to the host 10 using a "poll request". The data link processor continues to accept tape data while at the same time affecting this host connection.

If the host does not respond to the "poll request" before four blocks of data are present in the DLP RAM buffer 22, the data link processor sets "emergency request" on the data link interface (DLI). If no connection to the host system is effectuated before all of the six RAM buffers are filled, then the data link processor sets "host access error" in the result descriptor. This means that the peripheral data has "over filled" the buffer 22 before the host 10 could manage to remove or sufficiently clear the data in the buffer 22.

Once the host system answers a "poll request", the data link processor 20_(t) starts to send data to the host system while at the same time, continuing to receive data from the tape control unit 50_(tc) under control of the Auto-Read Logic 50_(r). Thus, on a read operation, while the buffer 22 is being "emptied" of data by transfer to the host system 10, it is concurrently (on an interleaving cycle steal basis) being "filled" by the operation of the auto read logic 50_(r) which is transferring data from the peripheral tape unit to buffer 22. After the host 10 has received one block of data, the data link processor checks whether or not two full blocks of data remain to be transferred to the host. If this is so, the DLP uses a "break enable". If a break enable request is granted then transmission of the next data buffer to the host continues to occur. If there are less than two full blocks of data in the RAM buffer 22 (or if the "break enable" is refused), the data link processor disconnects from the host and waits for two full blocks of data to be present. If a "break enable" is refused, the data link processor initiates a "poll request" immediately after disconnection.

In the normal situation when there are more than two blocks of data to be transferred to the host system, the DLP sets the "burst counter" 36_(c) to 256 (words) and sends blocks of data to the host in the burst mode. -When there are less than two blocks of data remaining to complete the I/O operation, the DLP calculates the actual length of the remaining data by comparing the P-register and S-register. The data link processor determines whether the remaining number of bytes is "odd" or is "even". If odd, the final byte is the PAD byte (all zeros inserted by the DLP). The final two blocks, whether partial or full, are sent to the host using a "demand " mode on a word by word transfer basis where the processor in 10_(c) will instruct each word transfer individually, rather than giving control to the Automatic Read/Write Selection Logic (50_(a) of FIG. 3) which operates automatically as in the burst mode.

When the data link processor has completed data transfer, the tape control unit enters a "Result Phase" and sends two words of result status to the data link processor. The DLP then incorporates this information, plus any internal result flags, into the result descriptor which the DLP 20_(t) then sends to the host 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, a block counter logic unit 33_(c) is used to receive input from two address registers designated as the peripheral address register, P_(a), and the system address register, S_(a). The peripheral address register, P_(a), handles addresses required when data is retrieved from the peripheral tape unit or when data is being sent to the peripheral tape unit. The system address register, S_(a), is used when data is being received from the host system into the buffer 22 or when data is being sent to the host system from the buffer 22. These two address registers in FIG. 3 are seen to receive their address data via microcode signals from the common front end circuit 10_(c) of FIG. 1.

The address data outputs from P_(a) and S_(a) are fed to the RAM buffer 22 in order to address the desired location in the buffer memory. Further, the block counter logic unit 33_(c) (FIG. 3) receives one input designated "P Carry" from the peripheral address register and another input "S Carry" from the system address register, in addition to a Read/Write control signal from read-write flip-flop 33_(f). The flip-flop 33_(f) is controlled by microcode signals from the control lines 43 (of FIG. 2) of peripheral-controller common front end unit 10c. The block counter logic unit 33_(c), FIG. 3, provides two output signals designated S₁ and S₀ which are fed to the block counter 34_(c) where the output signals S₁ and S₀ are combined at certain times on occurrence of rising clock signals in order to provide conditions which will make the block counter either "shift up" or "shift down" or "no shift".

The block counter 34_(c) will reflect the situation that when data is being taken out of the magnetic tape unit in order to be fed to RAM buffer 22 ("Read" operation), the block counter will shift up unless at the same time there is data being removed from buffer 22 for transfer to the main host computer system in which case the block counter 34_(c) will shift down. Thus, the condition of the block counter's numerical status will indicate the "balance" between what data has gone out of and what data has come into the RAM buffer 22.

Referring to FIG. 3, if there is a "Write" operation, this determines that data is to be "written" into the magnetic tape unit. Then, as data is removed from the RAM buffer 22 over to the magnetic tape unit, the block counter 34_(c) will shift down but if more data is transferred from the main host computer into the RAM buffer 22, the block counter will be shifted up. Thus, again the placement of "ones" in various bit positions of 34_(c) provides a running balance of the data blocks taken out as against the data blocks taken in at any given period.

The condition known as the "host access error" causes the setting of a flip-flop 34_(e), FIG. 3. (This is also called a block counter error). Thus, on a Read operation, a full RAM buffer (six blocks of data) will signal an error condition, indicating the buffer 22 was over filled beyond its capacity. Likewise, on a Write operation a single (one) remaining block of data will trigger an error condition.

During "Read" operations:

(a) As the P Carry increases (data being transferred from peripheral tape to buffer memory 22), the block counter 34_(c) will "shift up" indicating the buffer is being "loaded".

(b) As the S Carry increases (data from buffer memory being transferred to main host system), the block counter 34_(c) will "shift down" indicating the buffer memory is being "emptied".

During "Write" operations:

(c) As S Carry increases (data being loaded in buffer memory from main host system), the block counter 34_(c) will "shift up" to indicate the number of blocks of data in the buffer.

(d) As P Carry increases (data in buffer being unloaded for transfer to peripheral tape unit), the block counter 34_(c) will "shift down" and show how much data is left remaining in buffer 22.

During "Read" operations, when a "1" appears in the 6th bit position of block counter 34_(c), then a flip-flop circuit 34_(e) (FIG. 3) is "set" and provides a signal to the common front end circuit 10_(c) which will inform the main system of an "access-error" condition. This signifies that the buffer memory 22 was "overfilled" in that the main host system 10 did not accept data quickly enough.

During "Write" operations, when the buffer memory 22 has received six blocks of data from the host system, and the 1st bit position (1 BLKFUL) becomes "0", this indicates that the buffer memory has been completely unloaded (cleared) and then the flip-flop 34_(e) is "set" to signal the common front end circuit 10_(c) that more data is required from the host 10. This indicates the host did not supply data quickly enough to the RAM buffer 22.

Thus, the Data Link Processor 20_(t) provides a system for the control of data transfers which is sensitive to the condition of the data-in-transit residing in a RAM buffer memory and by which it is possible to monitor blocks of data being transferred between peripheral units and a main host computer when there are simultaneous flows of data being put into or taken out of the RAM buffer means.

AUTOMATIC READ SYSTEM FOR MAGNETIC TAPE-PERIPHERAL CONTROLLER

Referring to FIG. 3, there is again seen a block diagram of the main elements of the peripheral dependent card PDB/1 which is used in the magnetic tape peripheral-controller.

In addition to "individual word" word data transfer operations, called "demand mode", the system operates to permit automatic transfers of data blocks without need for repeated instruction routines (called "n burst mode"). Thus, the microcode from common control circuit 10_(c) (FIGS. 1, 2) can set Read/Write Selection Logic 50_(a) (FIG. 3) for either Auto Read or Auto Write enabling signals (AURDEN, AUWREN).

For data transfers between the magnetic tape peripherals (via tape control unit 50_(tc)) and buffer memory 22, the Auto Increment Register 50_(i) is used to increment the Peripheral Address Register, P_(a).

The Cycle Steal unit 50_(s) (FIG. 3) is used to sense when the peripheral-controller 20_(t) is not connected to the Host 10 and is not otherwise busy, so that those available cycle times may be provided for Auto Read or Auto Write operations.

In FIGS. 4, 5A, the TCU clock synchronizer 59 receives signals from the tape control unit (TCU) clock-strobe shown as TCU clock input to synchronizer 59. These clock-strobe signals (TCU CLOCK) are proportional to tape speed in a connected tape unit and are asynchronous in nature in relatin to the basic clock. The synchronizer 59 also receives an eight-megahertz clock signal designated CLK8/, and acts to convert the asynchronous tape speed signal into a synchronous type signal, TCLK, FIGS. 4, 5A.

The TCU clock synchronizer 59 is used during "Read" operations whereby data from a selected magnetic tape unit is sent via the tape control unit TCU 50_(tc) over to the main host system 10 by means of the data link processor (peripheral-controller) 20_(t). The TCU clock signal is generated within the TCU 50_(tc) (tape control unit) by means of an synchronous clock generator which is proportional to the speed of the particular tape unit being used. This is an asynchronous signal which can vary at any period of time according to the speed of the tape being read from.

In FIG. 4 the automatic read logic 50_(r) receives the coordination and clocking signal TCLK/ from the clock synchronizer 59 in order to synchronously regulate the timing of data transfers from the magnetic tape 50_(tc) over to the RAM buffer 22 of peripheral-controller 20_(t). This is done on an "automatic basis" which is regulated by the clock synchronizer 59.

The purpose of the clock synchronizer 59 is to regulate and synchronously clock the sequence of data which is read-out from the magnetic tape peripheral unit for transfer over to the RAM buffer 22 via the latches 51_(e) and 51_(f) of FIGS. 4 and 6.

Thus, the clock signals (TCU) from the tape control unit 50_(tc) are combined with basic 8-megahertz clocking signals in order to regulate the transfer of data on an synchronously automatic basis from the magnetic tape peripheral unit to the buffer 22 of the peripheral-controller even though the peripheral tape data is emitted at different speed rates.

In FIG. 4 the bi-directional line INFO (at the top left of this drawing) connects to the peripheral tape control unit 50_(tc) while the bus PRIF at the upper right-hand side of FIG. 4 connects to the 4-1 multiplexor 32_(x), FIG. 3, which feeds to the RAM buffer 22. This will also be seen in FIG. 6 where the F-latch 51_(f) is seen to have an output bus which provides output connection to the RAM buffer 22.

Referring to FIG. 4, which shows the PDB card 2, the top portion of the drawing indicates a data channel from the tape control unit TCU 50_(tc) connected to the line INFO which passes through the interface into the E latch 51_(e) and connects to the F latch 52_(f) and thence a bus PRIF (which designates peripheral data from TCU over to the buffer 22) and whereby the bus PRIF connects eventually as an input data line to the RAM buffer 22 (after having passed through the multiplexor 32_(x) of FIG. 3).

Thus, during READ operations of the system there is a rapid and automatic flow of data from the tape control unit 50_(tc) over to the bus PRIF and thence to the RAM buffer 22.

This data transfer can take place on a simple byte by byte basis whereby the program sequencer of the common front end 10_(c) can convey a byte according to individual instructions or in a more efficient and rapid way known as the automatic read operation. The automatic read operation works to unburden any program sequences from the common front end 10_(c) and to completely take over the rapid transfer of data from a tape control unit into the RAM buffer 22. This is accomplished by the automatic read-logic circuit 50_(r) of FIG. 4 which is seen to control the two data latches designated as the E latch 51_(e) and the F latch 52_(f). The automatic read-logic 50_(r) can operate the E latch and the F latch in synchronism with signals from the TCU clock synchronizer 59 in order to move a large number of bytes of data without need for accessing any program sequences from the common front end 10_(c). Buffers E and F (51_(e), 52_(f), FIGS. 4 and 6) effectively give the auto read logic 50_(r) more time to transfer data words from the tape units over to the buffer memory 22 since the Auto Read Logic 50_(r) operates on a "cycle steal" system, seen in FIG. 3. Thus, there is provided more tolerance for the Auto Read Logic not to have to steal a cycle on every other clock. Thus, with the "dual latch " system shown in FIG. 6, the Auto Read Logic 50.sub. r may only be required to have a "cycle steal" but once in six clocks while still keeping the transfer flow of data words intact and uninterrupted.

Now referring to FIG. 3 there is seen the automatic read-write selection logic and control unit 50_(a). This unit is activated by two input lines designated AULGFLAG and the input SEND. The signal AULGFLAG is the Q output of the Auto-Logic Flag Flip-Flop which flip-flop is activated by the program instructions from the common front end 10_(c). A "low" output from the flip-flip enables the Automatic Read or the Automatic Write logic operations to take place. The SEND signal is a signal from the common front end microcode which indicates whether a "read" or a "write" operation is taking place. A "low" output indicates that the peripheral controller (data link processor) is sending data to the tape control unit on a "write" operation. A "high" signal here indicates that the peripheral controller is accepting and receiving data from the tape control unit peripheral on a "read" operation.

In the case of an automatic read operation, the SEND signal is at a "high" level to indicate a "read" operation where the data link processor is accepting data from the tape control unit.

The output of the automatic selection logic and control 50_(a) in this case results in activation of the automatic read enable output line designated AURDEN which output line is fed to the input of the automatic read logic circuitry 50_(r) of FIG. 4.

Thus, in FIG. 4 the automatic read-logic 50_(r) receives the Read Enable signal AURDEN from logic 50_(a). Further, the auto read logic 50_(r) receives the clocking signal TCLK shown in FIG. 5A. This signal is the tape control unit clock signal synchronized by the basic eight megahertz clock CLK/8. A further input to the automatic read-logic 50_(r) is a signal WE/. This is the Write Enable signal which allows data to be written into the RAM buffer 22. This signal comes from the signal designated #WE which is the microcode output of the common front end CFE 10_(c). A "high" #WE indicates that the microcode is ordering a "write" into the buffer 22, here the buffer being enabled by the state of the chip select signal CS/ which selects either RAM 22 or else RAM 22₂.

The other input signal line to auto read logic 50_(r) is the signal AUWE/. This is the Auto Logic Write Enable signal which when "low" provides a Write Enable to permit data to be written into the RAM buffer 22 (or 22₂) as required by the automatic logic operations.

The automatic read logic 50_(r) of FIG. 4 has now been activated by the appropriate input signals just discussed and as a result it can now operate automatically in order to transfer data from the tape control unit to the RAM buffer 22 by means of controlling the data transfer operations through the E latch and the F latch.

The first output signal of the automatic read logic 50_(r) is designated ELATEN/. This represents a high-low transition which loads data from the peripheral unit into the E latch 51_(e). The second output line of auto read logic 50_(r) is designated FLATEN/. This signal regulates the transfer of data from the E latch into the F latch and out of the F latch into the bus PRIF. The F latch signal operates on a high-low transition which moves data from the E latch 51_(e) into the F latch 52_(f) after moving data out of the F latch onto the bus PRIF, for receipt by buffer 22.

Referring to FIG. 5A, there is shown the clock synchronizer 59 in greater detail. As seen in FIG. 5A, the TCU clock signal is conveyed from the tape control unit TCU 50_(tc) and provides an input to receiver 141. The output of this receiver is fed to a JK flip-flop 142 and also to a D flip-flop 145. The Q output of JK 142 provides a signal INFLAG which is fed to a NAND gate 143 which has a second input designated SEND/. The SEND/ signal is provided from the common front end circuit 10_(c). The output of gate 143 is fed to gate 144 which has a second input CLK8/. The output of gate 144 provides the signal EFLATEN which is the latch enable signal for the latches shown in FIG. 6.

The output of receiver 141 in FIG. 5A is designated TCU clock and is fed to the D flip-flop 145 which has a second input CLK8/. The Q output of the D flip-flop 145 provides the TCLK signal for "Automatic Read". The Q output provides a TCLK/ signal which feeds to a D flip-flop 146 to provide the TCLKFLG signal which is used for "Automatic Write" operations.

In FIG. 5B there is shown the use and development of flag signals from the tape control unit 50_(tc) which are used for Automatic Read operations. As seen in FIG. 5B, a signal TCLK provides input to a 2-bit counter 151 which is used to count up. The output of the 2-bit counter 151 is fed to a count-down logic circuit 152 which provides a control signal output which feeds back to counter 151 in order to count-down. The count-down logic of 152 is used for other operations such as "Write" operations when it is necessary to count in reverse direction to quantify the number of words which are being "written" into a tape control unit rather than being taken out of it. The count-down logic 152 is provided with a signal from the output of a NAND gate 155 having inputs reflective of "Write Enable" and for automatic Write Enable, AUWE/, which derive from FIG. 3. The output of NAND gate 155 is the signal CLKCNTDN which is the clock count-down signal.

The two output lines of counter 151 are designated TCU FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. These lines are conveyed over to D flip-flop 153 which also has an 8-megahertz clock input. The outputs of D flip-flop 153 are designated CTCU flag 1 and flag 2. These are signals which are delayed one clock time over the signals TCU flag 1 and flag 2. The logic unit 154 receives the two CTCU flag signals (flag 1 and flag 2) and provides three output lines, designated TCUFLG, EFEMPTY and EEMPTY.

These output signals of the logic unit 154 are tabularly shown in FIG. 5C as reflective of certain conditions that occur with respect to the word latches E and F (51_(e), 51_(f)) of FIGS. 4 and 6.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown the latching logic for Automatic Read operations in the magnetic tape peripheral-controller. Here in FIG. 6 it will be seen that the signal EFLATEN (E-latch, F-latch enable) are derived from the output of NAND gate 144 of FIG. 5A. This signal feeds to both NAND gates 156_(e) and 156_(f) of FIG. 6. The NAND gate 156_(e) has an input EEMPTY which is shown derived in FIG. 5B in logic unit 154, while the input signal to 156_(f) is EFEMPTY which is derived from logic unit 154 of FIG. 5B.

The output of 156_(e) (FIG. 6) is conveyed to JK flip-flop 157 where the Q output is used to regulate the E-latch 51_(e). The latch 51_(e) receives words from the TCU 50_(tc) as shown in FIG. 6. Thus, one word at a time is latched into the E-latch and then transferred to the F-latch 51_(f), but this can occur only if those latches have been emptied of their previous contents as shown in FIG. 5C.

The output of NAND gate 156_(f), FIG. 6, is fed to NAND gate 159. The other input to gate 159 comes from a JK flip-flop 158 in which JK 158 has inputs from the Automatic Read enable signal AURDEN and from the clock count-down signal. The Q output of flip-flop 158 is fed to a NAND gate 160 which feeds back a clear signal to the JK flip-flop 158.

It will be noted that NAND gate 159 provides the latch enable signal to the F-latch 51_(f) whereby the F-latch may then take a word and convey it to the RAM buffer 22 of the peripheral-controller. This RAM buffer 22, as previously noted, is located on the common front end card CFE 10_(c) (FIG. 2 and its extension on FIG. 4 as RAM 22₂).

Thus, the combination effect of the latch enable signals to the E-latch and to the F-latch is to permit a word to be latched into the E-latch and then transferred and latched into the F-latch after which it can be transferred to a location in the buffer 22.

Thus, in Automatic Read operations the combination of clock signals from the tape control unit 50_(tc) and the 8-megahertz basic clock signals will combine synchronously to enable the transfer of data from the magnetic tape unit to the RAM buffer 22 of the peripheral-controller.

Referring to FIG. 5C, there is seen a tabular scheme chart which indicates the relationships of the logic signals from logic unit 154, the input flag signals to the logic unit 154 and the status of the input latches for the E-latch 51_(e) and for the F-latch 51_(f).

As seen in FIG. 5C, when the E-latch and the F-latch are both "empty", then the output line EFEMPTY is active while the other two output lines of logic unit 154 are inactive.

When the E-latch is "empty" and the F-latch is "full, then the output logic line EFEMPTY is "inactive" while the other two lines (TCU flag A and EEMPTY) are both "active".

When both the E-latch and F-latch are full (that is to say, when each of them has a single word being held within it), then it will be seen that the TCUFLGA line is "active" while both the other two lines are "inactive".

If there should be an "error" because the latches are both full (and thus some data may have been lost in transmission), then all three output lines of the logic unit 154 will be "inactive" in order to indicate the error status.

As seen in FIG. 7 and in further clarification of FIG. 5A, the TCU clock is connected to the JK flip-flop 142 which provides the output signal INFLAG. This signal is ANDed with the SEND/ signal to provide the signal EFLATEN.

This signal (EFLATEN) means that the Read operation and the receipt of the data strobe (clock) from the tape control unit peripheral will put data into the E or F latch.

Thus, the peripheral-controller 20_(t) provides capability for an automatic Read system whereby a peripheral tape control unit will send synchronization clocking signals which are combined with the basic 8-megahertz clock signals of the system in order to regulate the movement of individual words from a magnetic tape unit over to an "E-latch" and thence to an "F-latch" for transfer to the RAM buffer 22 for temporary storage. The circuitry of FIG. 5B will be seen to provide sensitivity to the conditions of the E-latch and the F-latch so that data transferred can be regulated as long as one of the latches (E-latch and F-latch) is empty and capable of accepting data; and further the circuit of FIG. 5B will indicate when these latches are full which would lead to an error condition whereby data transfer might be lost because the latches were both filled up.

The peripheral-controller described herein permits data transfers from magnetic tape peripherals to temporary buffer memory storage in the controller in an orderly synchronized fashion regulated by the peripheral.

Automatic Write Logic and Operations: The Auto-Write and Auto Read logic is a special feature of the magnetic tape-data link processor.

After being initialized and enabled, this logic is capable of transferring data to or from the Tape Control Unit 50_(tc) independent of further microcode control from the common front end circuit 10_(c).

Thus, the magnetic tape-data link processor can concurrently transfer data on both the data link interface 20_(i) with the host 10 and on the peripheral interface with the Tape Control Unit 50_(tc).

Referring to FIG. 3, the Automatic Read/Write Selection Logic 50_(a) provides a signal AUWREN (Automatic Write Enable) to the AND gates 200_(c) and 200_(d) of FIG. 9. Here FIG. 9 indicates the details of the Auto Write Logic Block 50_(w) of FIG. 4 and its relation to C latch 51_(c) and D latch 52_(d) of FIG. 9.

During a Write operation, the Block Counter 34_(c) (FIG. 3) counts the number of "blocks" of data received from the host 10. Once the buffer 22 of the data link processor (DLP) 20_(t) has received six "blocks" of data, the DLP 20_(t) disconnects from the host 10. This disconnection also occurs if the DLP 20_(t) (FIG. 1) receives a TERMINATE signal from the host 10 indicating the end of the "Write Data" operation.

After disconnecting from the host 10, the DLP 20_(t) connects up to the Tape Control Unit 50_(tc) (FIG. 1), after which the DLP activates the Auto-Write Logic 50_(w) (FIG. 4) using the AUWREN signal to AND gates 200_(c) and 200_(d) of FIG. 9. The Auto-Write enablement allows the Tape Control Unit 50_(tc) to have direct access to the RAM buffer 22 for data transfers.

After the DLP 20_(t) (through its buffer memory 22) has transmitted one block of data to the Tape Control Unit 50_(tc), then the DLP tries to reconnect to host 10 by means of a "poll request" operation. When this connection is established, the host 10 can then transfer more data to the RAM buffer 22 of the DLP, even though buffer 22 is concurrently being emptied of data words to the Tape Control Unit 50_(tc).

This transfer of data from host 10 continues until either the six blocks of the RAM buffer 22 are again full or until host 10 sends a TERMINATE signal. However, it will be noted that data transfer between the DLP 20_(t) and Tape Control Unit 50_(tc) continues concurrently with the host-DLP data transfers in that "stolen cycles" for automatic transfer operations (between buffer 22 and tape) are interleaved between clock cycles normally used for transfers between host 10 and buffer 22.

If the DLP 20_(t) has not managed to reconnect to the host 10 before the DLP has transmitted three blocks of data to the TCU 50_(tc), then the DLP sets up an Emergency Request signal on the data link interface 20_(i) (FIG. 1) to the host 10.

If this Emergency Request is not serviced before the DLP has only one block of data remaining (for transmission to TCU 50_(tc)), then the DLP will set the BLOCKERR (block error) condition at 34_(e) in FIG. 3. This is reported to host 10 as a HOST ACCESS ERROR in the result descriptor word. In any given I/O transfer operation, the "very last" block of data is not transferred by Auto-Write but rather by microcode from the common front end 10_(c). The transfer of each individual word by micro-code instructions (rather than a complete block of data words) is designated as a "demand mode", as previously described.

Referring to FIG. 9, it will be seen that AND gate 200_(c) activates a "D" flip-flop 204_(c) to control (C latch enable) the C latch 51_(c) for receipt of a data word from buffer 22.

Another AND gate 200_(d) activates J-K flip-flop 204_(d) to control (D latch enable) the D latch 52_(d) for receipt of data from the C latch and for conveyance of data to the Tape Control Unit 50_(tc).

The inputs to the AND gates 200_(c), 200_(d) of FIG. 9 involve:

(i) the AUWREN (auto write enable) signal from 50_(a) of FIG. 3;

(ii) the EN signal of FIG. 4 which is established by microcode signal #SMTPAD/ of FIG. 3, is an automatic logic control enable signal signifying that the peripheral register P_(a) of FIG. 3 is fed to MUX 32_(x) ;

(iii) the DRDY (data ready) signal which: when "HIGH" indicates that the C latch and D latch are full; and when "LOW" indicates that only the D latch is full.

(iv) the DRDY/ signal which is the complement of the data ready signal. When HIGH, it indicates D latch 52_(d) is full; when LOW, it indicates that both the C and D latches are full. the CLATEN/ signal from Q of flip-flop 204_(c) which is used to control the "loading" of the C latch 51_(c). It provides a temporary inhibit signal when the C latch 51_(c) and D latch 52_(d) are full.

(vi) the TCLKFLG signal from D flip-flop 146 (FIGS. 5, 9) which when "HIGH" indicates that a clock signal on the TCU peripheral interface has been detected. This indicates that a data word has been removed from D latch 52_(d) and transferred to the TCU 50_(tc).

In FIG. 9, JK flip-flop 206 is "set" by the CLATEN/ line and cleared by the Q line from flip-flop 204_(d). The Q output of 206 provides the DRDY signal to AND gate 200_(d). The Q output of 206 provides the DRDY/ signal to AND gate 200_(c).

NAND gate 208 (which has inputs from basic clock (CLK 8/) and the D latch enable (DLATEN) signal provides a clearing signal to flip-flops 204_(d) and 146.

In FIG. 9 the output signals CLATEN and DLATEN are "latch enable" signals where a LOW-to-HIGH transition will latch a data word (16 bits) into the respective C or D latch. Likewise, the CLATIN and DLATIN are "latch enable set" signals from AND gates 200_(c), 200_(d) for setting flip-flops 204_(c) and 204_(d) respectively.

Thus, data can be automatically transferred from buffer 22 to TCU 50_(tc) through the C and D latches (51_(c), 52_(d)) on a WRITE operation without any further attention from the common front end sequencer in 10_(c) once the auto logic enable and auto write circuitry has been activated.

While the specific embodiment described indicates the accomplishment of these functions, other embodiments may also be used to accomplish the concept of the invention which is delineated in the attached claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A peripheral-controller for executing data transfer operations between a buffer memory means in said peripheral-controller and a main host computer or a magnetic tape peripheral unit, the peripheral-controller comprising:(a) a common front end circuit unit for sequencing micro-code instructions to effect data transfers of blocks of data between said buffer memory means and said host computer or said magnetic tape peripheral unit, said front end circuit unit being initiated by command from said host computer and including:(a1) buffer memory means for temporary storage of data-in-transit between said magnetic tape peripheral unit and said host computer, said buffer memory means organized into a plurality of n data storage blocks whereby each block stores a plurality of data words; (a2) instruction sequencing means providing control signals to a peripheral dependent circuit unit; (a3) means to receive block status information signals from a means for registering the number "n" of full data blocks residing in said buffer memory means; (a4) means for generating control signals for said peripheral dependent circuit unit, said means operating in response to receipt of said block status information signals; (b) said peripheral dependent circuit unit operating under control of said common front end circuit unit and functioning to control data transfers into and out of said buffer memory means to and from said host computer or said magnetic tape peripheral unit, said peripheral dependent circuit unit including:(b1) means to execute automatic read operations for transferring blocks of data from said magnetic tape peripheral unit to said buffer memory means; (b2) means to execute automatic write operations for transferring blocks of data from said buffer memory means to said magnetic tape peripheral unit; (b3) first means to transfer data from said host computer to said buffer memory means, and second means to transfer data from said buffer memory to said host computer, said first and second means to transfer including:(b3-1) burst mode transfer means for transferring one or more full blocks of data between said buffer memory means and said host computer with a single instruction from said common front end circuit unit; (b4) said means for registering a number "n" of full data blocks residing in said buffer memory means, and for providing a block status information signal to said common front end circuit unit, said means for registering including:(b4a) address register means for receiving address data to be used in accessing locations in said buffer memory means and for providing numerical data signals to a block counter logic unit wherein said numcrical data signals indicate the amount of data transferred into and the amount of data transferred out of said buffer memory means; (b4b) a block counter logic unit connected to receive said numerical data signals from said address register means and to provide first and second logic output signals to a gating means; (b4c) said gating for permitting said first and second logic output signals to operate a counter means, said first and second output signals operating to shift up or shift down the count in said counter means; (b4d) said counter means functioning to maintain a count of the number "n" of full data blocks residing in said buffer memory means.
 2. The peripheral-controller of claim 1 wherein said means to execute automatic read operations, from said peripheral unit to said buffer memory means, operates concurrently with said second means to transfer data from said buffer memory means to said host computer, wherein the term "concurrently" signifies that, on any automatic Read/Write cycle, blocks of data words can be transferred between said buffer memory means and both of said host computer and said peripheral unit.
 3. The peripheral-controller of claim 1 wherein said means to executre automatic write operations, from said buffer memory means to said peripheral unit, operates concurrently with said first means to transfer data from said main host computer to said buffer memory means, wherein the term "concurrently" signifies that, on any automatic Read/Write cycle, blocks of data words can be transferred between said buffer memory means and both of said host computer and said peripheral unit.
 4. A peripheral-controller, designated as a data-link-processor, for managing data transfers between a main host computer and a magnetic tape peripheral unit, said peripheral-controller comprising:(a) a common front end circuit for sequencing micro-code instructions to execute data transfer between a buffer memory in said common front end circuit and said host computer or said magnetic tape peripheral unit, said front end circuit operating upon initiation of commands from said main host computer and providing control signals to a peripheral dependent circuit unit, said front end circuit including:(a1) a RAM buffer memory for temporarily Istoring data-in-transit between said magnetic tape peripheral unit and said main host comouter, said buffer memory being organized into a plurality of a memory block areas wherein each block area holds a plurality of data words; (a2) means to receive data block number status information, from a means to register, for selecting instructions for data transfer connections and operation in loading or unloading said buffer memory; (b) a peripheral-dependent circuit unit operating under control of said common front end circuit and functioning to control data transfers into said buffer memory from said main host computer or said magnetic tape peripheral unit, and functioning to control data transfers out of said buffer memory to said host computer or said magnetic tape peripheral unit, said peripheral dependent circuit unit including:(b1) means to register the number of full blocks of data residing in said buffer memory, said means to register including:(b1a) means to signal said common front end circuit with information data as to the presently existing number of blocks of data words residing in said buffer memory, said signal means including:(i) a block counter unit for registering the number of full blocks of data words residing in said buffer memory; (ii) a block counter logic unit, for raising or lowering the block count number in said block counter unit, and connected to receive first and second input signals respectively from a peripheral address register and a system address register; (iii) a peripheral address register connected to receive address data and providing said first input signal to said block counter logic unit to indicate the number of data words transferred between said magnetic tape peripheral unit and said buffer memory; (iv) a system address register connected to receive address data and providing said second input signal to said block counter logic unit to indicate the number of data words transferred between said main host computer and said buffer memory; (v) a control signal line from said common front end unit to said block counter logic unit for indicating a "Read" operation or a "Write" operation to regulate the increase or decrease of the block count number in said block counter unit; (b2) means to concurrently load data-in-transit into said buffer memory and to unload said data-in-transit out of said buffer memory, said data-in-transit being received from either of said main host computer or said magnetic tape peripheral unit and said data-in-transit being transmitted to either said magnetic tape peripheral unit or said main host computer; (b3) wherein said means to load and unload said buffer memory is controlled by the number "n" of data blocks conveyed by said means to signal to said common front end circuit, said common front end circuit selecting new microcode instructions dependent on the value of "n". 